Rev. Falwell's IRS Tax Exempt Status Under Assault

Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, has sent a letter to the I.R.S. arguing that Jerry Falwell is violating the rules for tax exemption in publicly campaigning for the reelection of President George W. Bush.  Rev. Lynn alleges that one of Mr. Falwell's religious organizations, Jerry Falwell Ministries, disseminated a message in support of Bush's reelection in violation of tax rules, which restrict tax-exempt religious groups and charitable organizations from engaging in politics.  (NYTimes story here.)
 
Rev.  Lynn said the complaint was also a response to the Bush campaign's effort to enlist thousands of pastors and churchgoers to help get members of conservative congregations to the polls.